Assistant / Associate Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences (Interior Design)

Carson-Newman University is a Christian liberal arts-based University built upon the Lordship of Jesus Christ as evidenced historically and revealed in the Scriptures. Our mission as Christian educators is to help our students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant leaders.

Job Title Assistant Associate Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences

Department Family and Consumer Sciences

Reports To Chair, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Location On-site

FLSA Status Exempt

Annual Duration 9-month

Expected Hours per Week Full-time, contained in the standard university work-day.

Part-time Hours if Applicable None

Supervisory Responsibilities None

Summary Description The Assistant Associate Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences will teach courses in Interior Design at the undergraduate level. The position is a full-time tenure-track 9-month appointment to begin August 2026.

Essential Functions As an intentionally Christian academic community hiring Christian educators, all employees will be expected to advance the mission, vision, and identity of Carson-Newman University as defined in university policy and expressed in our strategic plan, and are expected to work as cooperative and collegial members of the University.

The University expects all employees to conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate for a Christian institution and to be worthy examples in moral conduct and behavior for the students of the University and fellow employees, both on and off campus.

• Regular attendance during scheduled work hours reflects a commitment to our shared mission and the campus community.
• All work must be performed in alignment with the terms of the signed contract, if applicable.
• As Christian educators, all employees of the University should regularly attend and actively participate in a local church.

Teaching Responsibilities Teach 24 semester hours per year, including courses in:

• Interior design fundamentals
• Building systems
• Architectural drafting
• Space planning
• Materials and finishes
• Computer-aided design
• History of architecture and interiors
• Kitchen and bath design
• Residential and commercial design
• Professional practice

Leadership and Program Development

• Lead curriculum development as program coordinator for Interior Design.
• Contribute to assessment and accreditation.
• Potentially pursue CIDA accreditation for the Interior Design program.

Student Advising

• Advise students in the discipline.
• Direct internships.

Professional Involvement

• Commit to teamwork, scholarship, and professional involvement.
• Include membership in the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
• Attainment of the Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS) credential.

University and Department Service

• Contribute to the university and department missions.
• Be a collegial member of the institution at all levels.
• Participate in professional and scholarly activities.
• Provide service to the department and to the community-at-large.

This description is designed to describe the general nature of the job and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, and duties. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned and included in assessments and reviews.

Education Candidates for the position must have an earned masters degree in interior design, housing and design, or a related field, with preference given to those with an earned doctoral degree. Candidates must be TN Interior Design licensure eligible.

Experience Preferably at least one year of teaching experience in higher education.

Required Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced organizational skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with all stakeholders.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to access and navigate campus facilities.